Moving to Portugal? Welcome! We made the move as American Expats in 2021. 

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Moving to a new country is overwhelming, to say the least. Learning all that needs to be done to move to a new country like Portugal involves several practical and legal steps to ensure a smooth transition. I’ve laid out some steps that need to be considered.

Here is a printable checklist so you can keep track of each item. And below you will find the explanation of each item.

Things To Do When Considering Moving To Portugal

1. Visa and Residency

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you will very likely need a visa to enter and live in Portugal. Unless you already live in the European Union, you must apply for a visa BEFORE you move there. We went with the D7 visa, which was (at the time) for self-employed or remote workers. Nowadays, the D7 only applies for those on a passive income (pensions, movable assets, real estate, intellectual property, financial investments, etc.). For those on an active income, such as self-employed or remote workers, we now have the D8. Portugal offers various visa options for retirees, workers, investors, and students. We’d strongly suggest consulting a lawyer for this process and can recommend this firm. 

Grab our Portugal Visa Guide with a breakdown on the types of visas you can get to come live a fabulous Portuguese life.

2. Luggage Considerations

Families tend to have a lot of stuff, so consider your shipping and luggage options carefully.

*** Pro Tip: It’s hard as an American to realize that the dimensions of our spaces, cars, furniture, etc are so much bigger than European standards. Not only can electrical items not work with new voltage, but the sheer size of American items may not fit in Portugal! It may not be worth your time and money to move furniture to Portugal. If you plan to, try to measure doorways, stairwells, rooms, etc. in your new place before you make that final decision.

When it comes to moving your belongings from the US or Europe to Portugal, you generally have two main options: shipping containers/pallets or taking excess luggage on flights (as a lot of people do). Here are some examples comparing the costs and considerations for each approach:

Shipping Containers/Pallets:

• From Europe to Portugal:
  • A 20ft container from the UK to Portugal can cost around €2,000-€3,000.
  • A pallet shipment from Germany to Portugal can range from €500-€1,000 depending on size/weight.
• From USA to Portugal:
  • A 20ft container from the US East Coast to Portugal can cost $3,500-$5,000.
  • A pallet shipment from the US to Portugal can range from $1,000-$2,500.

The advantage of shipping containers or pallets is that you can move all your household goods and personal belongings in one go. However, the costs can be quite high, especially for overseas shipments from the US. There are also customs fees to consider when importing household goods.

Checking Luggage on Flights:

• From Europe to Portugal:
  • Most airlines charge €50-€100 per extra checked bag over the included allowance.
  • Example: 6 extra bags from the UK could cost €300-€600 one-way.
• From USA to Portugal:
  • US airlines typically charge $100-$200USD per extra checked bag.
  • Example: 10 extra bags from the East Coast could cost $1,000-$2,000 one-way.

The luggage approach tends to be cheaper for smaller households, though you are very limited by airline weight/size restrictions. Even paying for additional luggage, the airlines still won’t take anything over a certain weight or dimension. Over 70 lbs can be $400+ per bag as well. The costs can add up quickly with several oversized/overweight bags. You also have to lug all those bags through airports.

An important consideration when packing is the difference in electrical systems. Many North American electronics won’t work in Portugal due to the different voltage (230V in Portugal vs 110V in the US) or could eventually blow out even with adapters. This includes popular kitchen appliances, coffee machines, and other electrical items. While it might be worth bringing favorite non-electric items like pans, it’s generally best to leave electrical appliances behind and purchase new ones in Portugal. This can influence your packing decisions and save you from costly mistakes or damaged electronics.

In summary, shipping a container makes sense for larger households moving all belongings internationally, while taking excess luggage can be more economical for smaller moves, especially from nearby Europe. Many families try to balance both methods.

The key is researching all your airline’s baggage policies and fees versus freight shipping quotes to find the most cost-effective solution for your situation, as well as analyzing what you really want to take versus buy there.  I’ve listed out options for furnishing a house in Portugal so you can consider only taking minimal items in checked luggage.

3. Accommodation

To secure a visa, you’ll need to prove accommodation. Beware of scams!! A lawyer can help with this process. Consider if you will buy or rent, if you want Lisbon or somewhere more affordable, what kind of school you want (Portuguese or English speaking, for example), etc. 

We recommend looking into mid-term rentals that meet visa requirements, such as Flatio and Uniplaces. A mid-term rental can help you become familiar with the area before committing to a long-term lease. This approach might save you some trouble, as issues with landlords are not uncommon in Portugal.

It’s important to note that many Portuguese landlords, wary of potential risks, may ask for significant upfront payments, especially when dealing with expats seeking to sign leases sight unseen. This cautiousness can sometimes lead to requests for large deposits or multiple months’ rent in advance.

An alternative option to consider is communicating with Airbnb hosts about potential long-term arrangements. Some hosts may offer extended stays or even year-long leases, which can provide more flexibility and better terms than traditional rental agreements. This approach allows you to build a relationship with the host and possibly negotiate more favorable conditions while still having the protection and familiarity of the Airbnb platform.

4. Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)

Also needed for your visa application is a NIF. This is like a financial social security number. You can apply online for this or use a lawyer to help obtain one.

5. Healthcare

Private health insurance is required for your visa. Travel insurance is required for the visa. Once you are in Portugal, you must set up actual private coverage. After obtaining your residency card, you can apply for a health number with the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS).

6. Bank Account

You’ll need a bank account with sufficient funds to cover your family expenses for at least three months or, ideally, a year. This shows visa officials that you are financially stable. The current requirements for the D7 visa are as follows:

• For the primary applicant (1st adult): 100% of the minimum wage, which is 820€ per month (9,840€ per year)
• For each additional adult: 50% of the minimum wage, which is 410€ per month (4,920€ per year)
• For each dependent under 18 or dependent adult children: 30% of the minimum wage, which is 246€ per month (2,952€ per year)

While these are the minimum requirements, having more funds available can strengthen your application. To be safe, we applied with slightly more than the yearly minimum (around 31,000€) per person to demonstrate we had the money to relocate to Portugal. Remember, visa officials want to ensure you can comfortably support your family without straining local resources. Opening a bank account requires a NIF and can be done from abroad, but it helps to have someone in Portugal assist you. Major banks in Portugal include Millennium BCP, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Novo Banco, and Santander Totta.

Things To Do When You Move to Portugal

1. Finances

Within a few weeks of arriving, you need to go to a financial office (finanças) and change your address to your new one in Portugal. This will trigger your tax obligations in Portugal. You have until June of the next year to file your taxes. 

Consult a tax lawyer for more information.  Waiting at the finanças offices can take several hours (or days), so you can also ask a lawyer or native speaker to help you navigate the site online.  You are required to log in with your NIF and tax authority password.

2. Healthcare

Visit your local “centro de saúde” to get your SNS (Portuguese Health Number). You can read more about this process here.

3. Registration for Residency

Go to your local town hall (Câmara Municipal) to obtain your residency certificate.

The residency certificate, also known as the “Certidão de Residência” or “Atestado de Residência”, is an important document that serves several purposes for foreign residents in Portugal. Here are some key points about the residency certificate:

Uses:

• Proves your legal residence status in Portugal
• Required for obtaining a Portuguese taxpayer number (NIF)
• Necessary for various processes like opening a bank account, getting utilities set up, registering for healthcare, etc.
• May be requested when applying for longer-term residency permits/visas

Documents Needed:

• Passport or EU national ID card
• Rental contract/lease agreement or deed if you own property
• Utility bills in your name showing the Portuguese address
• Possibly a Portuguese mobile phone number
• Some camâras also require recent passport-style photos

Witnesses:

Most câmara appointments for residency require two witnesses that meet certain criteria:

• Must be Portuguese citizens
• Must reside in the same municipality (concelho) as you
• They need to bring their Portuguese ID cards (bilhete de identidade or cartão de cidadão)
• The witnesses sign your application and provide copies of their IDs

The witnesses are confirming and vouching for your residence in that specific Portuguese location. They are, in a way, taking responsibility for you.  Some Portuguese take this very seriously and may refuse.  Others will happily help. This witness requirement can sometimes be waived if you own property or in other special circumstances.

I was unaware of a lot of these requirements when I went to get this certification for our daughter’s basketball club.  I did not bring witnesses, I had two friends sign it and provide a copy of their ID, but they live in another town.  Basically, I did it all wrong!  However, the kind woman at the camera took pity on me (most likely due to our kids as the Portuguese love children) and let it pass through anyway.

It’s advisable to make an appointment well in advance at your local câmara municipal, as wait times can be long. Having all the required documents organized helps make the process smoother.  If advance appointments are not an option, remember to look for a tickets number system, of senha, as most places in Portugal require one.

The residency certificate is a vital first step for getting established legally as a resident in Portugal. It unlocks your ability to access many services and rights within the country.

4. Buying a Car

Consider your transportation needs and options for buying a car. Cars can be more expensive in Portugal than in the US, so do your research. Automatic transmissions are less common and more expensive. Check out Standvirtual for car listings.  A few things to note:

• Licensing a car in Portugal is very different.  The license plate stays with the car for the life of the car and is completed by the dealership.  This process can take several weeks.
• From initially starting to look at cars until we received our car, it was almost two months!   This is so different from the US.  It took weeks for them to get the car ready, including some minor repairs, licensing, etc.  We found many car dealerships don’t start any of this process until the car has a contract on it.  Plan for alternative transportation for a while.
• Financing a car is possible for expats but not until you have lived at least 90 days in Portugal and established some bank history.  We bought our first car with cash, and we financed our second car after being in the county for over two years.

5. Driver’s License and Driving Insurance

Portugal no longer requires US citizens to convert their US driver’s licenses to Portuguese ones. US citizens can now keep and use their US driver’s licenses in Portugal. However, the option to convert a US license to a Portuguese one is still available. 

• It’s important to note that residents of Portugal who are over 60 must exchange their US driver’s license for a Portuguese one if they want to drive in Portugal. You have up to two years to complete the exchange, but after three months of residency, you can only legally drive if you initiate the process. If you can show that an exchange is in progress (with a temporary license), you may be allowed to drive.

To begin the conversion process, visit the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes). Gather the required documents, which typically include:

• Your valid US driver’s license
• Proof of residency in Portugal
• Apostilled driving record from your US state
• Certificate of Authenticity for your US license from a Portuguese consulate
• Medical certificate
• NIF (tax identification number) document
• Submit an online application through the IMT portal.
• After submission, you’ll receive emails about your application status.
• You may need to visit an IMT office in person to complete the process.
• Bring original documents and be prepared to pay a fee (around 30 euros as of 2024).
• The process can take several months to complete.

Remember that requirements and procedures may change, so it’s advisable to check the official IMT website or consult local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

When you get a car, you will need insurance. In the past, you had to display your car insurance and current car registration on your windshield to avoid fines, but this law has recently changed.  However, you must keep them in the car, similar to the US.

6. School Registration

If moving with kids, you will likely need to register them for school. This process can vary greatly; here are some considerations: 

• Type of School: Decide between public, private, or international schools. Public schools are free and provide an immersive experience, but classes are in Portuguese. International schools offer curricula in English or other languages and follow different educational systems (e.g., American, British, IB).
• Application Process: Each school has its own application process and deadlines. Some may require entrance exams or interviews. Start this process early to ensure a spot for your child.
• Location: Proximity to your home can be important for daily commuting. Consider the distance and transportation options.  Some schools offer transportation services for an additional fee.
• Language Support: For non-Portuguese speakers, check if the school provides language support or has programs for integrating foreign students.  By law, schools are required to provide PLNM, or Portuguese for non-native speakers.  This is usually a class after regular classes are over and can include all foreign students.
• Extracurricular Activities: Look for schools that offer a range of extracurricular activities to help your child integrate and pursue interests.  One of the great benefits of schools here is that extracurricular activities can be done during the day.  For example, you can do surf lessons at 2 pm, swimming lessons during lunch, and more.
• Costs: Private and international schools can be expensive, although generally are less than US prices. Ensure you understand the tuition fees and any additional costs involved.

7. Utilities and Services

Set up utilities such as water, electricity, and internet in your new home. Water services are handled by your local municipality. Electricity setup may require a visit to a local office.

Portugal has a deregulated energy market, so there are multiple electricity providers to choose from beyond just EDP, (check my post here to understand how they work). And for internet/cable/phone services, the major telecom companies tend to bundle those offerings together. Here are some of the main options in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve:

Pro Tips:

• For electricity, the Spanish companies like Endesa and Iberdrola are making inroads across Portugal
• Smaller municipal electricity providers exist in some areas as well
• The big four telecom providers (MEO, NOS, Vodafone, NOWO) offer bundled internet/TV/mobile/landline across the country
• It’s common to bundle services to get discounted pricing, especially for new customers

I’d recommend getting quotes from a few electricity providers as well as telecom bundles once you’ve secured housing to find the best plans and rates for your needs in that specific location.

8. Pets

If you’re bringing pets, ensure they meet the required health and vaccination standards for entry into Portugal. After moving, register them with your local parish at the Junta da Freguesia. There are separate steps for bringing pets before and after moving.

To register a pet at the Junta de Freguesia in Portugal, you typically need to bring the following:

a. Your identification:

• Valid passport or residence permit
• Proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement)

b. Pet documentation:

• Pet passport or veterinary health certificate
• Proof of microchip implantation
• Up-to-date vaccination records, especially rabies vaccination

b. For dogs specifically:

•  Proof of registration in the Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia (SIAC)
•  Proof of liability insurance (required for dangerous dog breeds)

d. Recent photograph of the pet

e. Registration fee (amount varies by municipality)

f. Completed registration form (usually available at the Junta de Freguesia office)

Remember, requirements can vary slightly between different freguesias, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Junta de Freguesia beforehand. They may have additional requirements or specific forms to fill out.

Also, if you’re registering a dog, be aware that some breeds are considered potentially dangerous in Portugal and may require additional documentation or restrictions.

9. Language

Portuguese is the official language. While many people in Portugal speak English, learning basic Portuguese can greatly enhance your experience and communication. I highly recommend taking Portuguese classes. You can read about my experience here.

10. Cultural Adjustment

Embrace the local culture, customs, and lifestyle.  Do not move to Portugal expecting it to work like your home country.  It will not!  That is part of the reason you are moving, right?  Have an open mind in regards to processes functioning in a different way than you are used to.  Connect with natives in as many ways as you can, be patient and open-minded, and be kind and non-judgmental. 

11. Social Integration

Explore local events, activities, and clubs to help you integrate into your new community. Some good options for finding other expats include Internationals, Facebook Groups, Meetup, and Expats Portugal.

12. Social Security

If you’re eligible for social security benefits, inform your home country’s authorities about your move and research the agreement between your home country and Portugal regarding social security benefits.

13. Cell Phone Coverage

Keep your US number on Google Voice to avoid losing it, or keep your US plan (like we do) and get a new number in Portugal when you arrive. Operating on Wi-Fi only for the first few days can be a hassle, especially when setting up utilities without a local number.  You’ll need a Portuguese citizen to go with you to set up your new number.  Our landlord was nice enough to help us with this.

14. Baby Items and Babysitters

For baby items, we found Let’s Go Baby to be fantastic. You actually can rent baby items and choose what is suitable for you. If you need babysitters, we recommend looking at babysits.pt

I hope this checklist helps you navigate your move to Portugal more smoothly. Welcome to your new adventure!

P.S: If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed about missing important details when moving abroad, no worries! There’s this awesome company called Moviinn that can be your personal moving hero. They’ll help you tackle all the tricky stuff like:

• 1. Visas (because nobody likes paperwork)
• 2. Taxes (ugh, am I right?)
• 3. Real estate (finding your perfect new place)
• 4. Essential services (getting you hooked up with all the basics)
• 5. Business incorporation (for you entrepreneurial types)
• 6. Investment advice (making your money work for you)
• 7. Citizenship (if you’re planning to stay for the long haul)
• 8. Employment (because we all need to pay the bills)

Just fill out this super easy form . You’ll get personalized guidance and assistance tailored just for your move. Feel free to email me at leslie@americanfamilyinportugal.com if you have any questions.

Xoxo,
Leslie

Additional Reading

Furnishing Your Family Home in Portugal – Where To Buy

How To Obtain A Portuguese D7 Visa For Your Family: Everything You Need To Know

Moving Your Family to Portugal from the United States: What to Know